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It’s in the Genes: Why Guys Instantly Fall for a Pretty Face

When it comes to love, what do looks have to do with it? According to a new study from the University of Amsterdam, a lot. For men, anyway.

In a recent Daily Mail story, University of Amsterdam scientists explain that men who go gaga for gorgeous gals within “milliseconds” of spotting them aren’t being shallow—they’re actually following their “ancient genetic preferences.”

The scientists go on to explain that for men, physical attraction, particularly a beautiful face “is a sign of fertility and the survival instinct draws them to women who can carry on their line.” Women, however, take a bit longer to decide if a man will make a suitable partner. And we don’t base this decision on looks, rather women “need to find out whether the man is committed, has a good personality and is a good provider.”

To test their theories, the researchers conducted a series of “tests” with both male and female subjects. The participants were asked to complete simple tasks while being shown images of faces—both attractive and unattractive. Women were able to stay on task throughout the experiment, while men lost focus when shown an image of a beautiful woman.

I’d like to believe that while attraction does have something to do with a guy’s decision to start dating a woman, it’s certainly not the end all be all. Don’t we all know couples who weren’t attracted to each other right away? Plus, I’m a little put off about the idea that some of the faces shown to the study participants were considered unattractive; isn’t beauty subjective? One person’s frog might be another person’s prince.

What do you make of this new study? Do think guys can fall for attractive women in an instant? Can women fall for guys that fast? Have you? Does love at first sight exist? And if so, is it ever more than just physical attraction?